MORE than half of the students at a school in Penarth achieved A or A* in their GCSE results, while 99 per cent achieved a C or above in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering & mathematics).

Students at Westbourne School, an independent school located on Hickman Road in Penarth, have been commended for their outstanding GCSE results released on Thursday, August 22, as 59 per cent of students achieved A or A* grades.

Mr Paul Forsythe, principal at Westbourne School, said: “One of the most outstanding features of a Westbourne education is how much value we add to each student’s academic profile.

Westbourne UK Senior School campus in the heart of PenarthWestbourne UK Senior School campus in the heart of Penarth (Image: Westbourne School)

"An incredible 59% of our students achieved straight A* or A grades this year, which are higher than national baseline tests indicated.

"These tests are used by all schools in the UK to judge how effective their teaching is and I am delighted to say that our students, on average, all scored higher than the data projected, which is testament to the students’ effort and the teachers’ skill in the classroom."

Mr Forsythe added: "With their academic profiles transformed, our talented students now have an exceptional head-start over their peers when it comes to Sixth Form study as well as for university applications.

GCSE students at Westbourne School: Niamh and MeganGCSE students at Westbourne School: Niamh and Megan (Image: Westbourne School)

"We are so proud of our students’ tenacity to achieve their very best.”

Of the students that received their GCSE results last week and took STEM  (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) subjects, 99 per cent of them achieved A* to C grades.

High achievers

Several students were additionally praised by Westbourne School for achieving some of the highest grades.

  • Kyle: Achieved nine A*s and three As;

Year 11 students at Westbourne SchoolYear 11 students at Westbourne School (Image: Westbourne School)

  • Owen, who has been at Westbourne since reception: Achieved nine A*s and two As;

  • Elisa: Achieved nine A*s and one A;

  • Bethany: Achieved eight A*s and four As;

  • Alvin: Achieved eight A*s and two As.

The school said Kyle, Bethany and Owen achieved an A* average (grade 8) across 12 subjects, and Alvin and Elisa an A* average (grade 8) from 11 subjects.

Year 11 student, Nia, said: “The best thing about Westbourne is being able to form new friendships and meet people from all over the world.

"I didn’t find my exams stressful at all, because I was well prepared and put in lots of work beforehand.

Year 10 students, Anna and Zainah, sat some of their GCSE exams one year earlyYear 10 students, Anna and Zainah, sat some of their GCSE exams one year early (Image: Westbourne School)

"Our teachers are amazing and make the subjects very interesting and fun to learn about.”

Another Y11 student, Addien, said: “I’ve made some amazing memories and have had some amazing teachers to help me through.

"There are some incredible teachers at Westbourne who genuinely support us and want us to succeed.”

Lastly Alex, who started his learning journey at Little Westbourne Nursery, said: “The teachers have been great, very helpful and understanding.

"The feeling of being in a small community makes learning easier and more focused.”

As well as this, 75 per cent of the school’s Year 10 students, who sat the Numeracy exam one year earlier than their peers, scored A* or A.